Disclaimer: InuYasha belongs to: Rumiko Takahashi, Viz Media, Shogakukan, Sunrise, Yumiuri TV and the other foreign manga rights companies that I have not dealt with. Twiknham owns intellectual rights only to the original characters including: Michael, Lucy, Logan, Armaund, Jin, Sesshoumaru's household staff (minus Jaken) and any characters in this story who reside in Texas. Twiknham makes NO monetary gain from this story, it is a completely free fanfic and Twiknham will not accept any payment. Reviews would be great, but are not required for updates. Also, as with any Twiknham fic, criticisms are welcome but please keep the language clean. Reviews do not come with ratings and are open to all viewers. Thx! –TK
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Kagome waited patiently while Sesshoumaru gathered his thoughts. It was hard, she wanted to remind him of her question, just in case he forgot. However, patience finally paid off.
"After the Shikon no Tama was completed and everything had been set right, there was a singular period of peace." He picked up his glass and took a small sip of wine before continuing. "Naraku no longer existed, and Kikyo had finally found rest. The tormented soul of Kohaku had been released, and your monk, Miroku, was finally cured of his cursed hand."
He noticed a tear slide down Kagome's face at the mention of Kohaku's death, but she wanted to know. "I only admit this to you because I realize the importance of your relationship with the demon slayer. The monk gave up his vows of monkdom to take a wife, and the demon slayer stopped her wandering for the stability of a family." He breathed deeply and looked at her. "I watched their union from a distance, both the actual ceremony as well as their future." As another tear traced its way down her cheek, he gently reached forward and removed it. "There is no need for these tears." He rubbed his fingers together, slightly curious about why a woman who had survived her life, would cry over the dead.
"They had years and children to soften their sorrow. At last count, they had three boys and a girl, all of which showed the tenacity of the demon slayer and the mischievousness of the monk. I did not watch past their lives, but they left quite a legacy. The fox child stayed in that village until he decided to wander." He picked up another bite of food, trying to figure out how to explain the next part.
"Shippou?" Kagome held her breath. "He is alive?"
"I do not keep tabs on individuals, but I have not heard of his death." Her sigh resonated in the little room and Sesshoumaru lightly shook his head as he heard the moth youkai step in to make sure everything was okay. At the gesture, Raoul went back to his post. "But that is not what you asked me." Her blue eyes were misty as she looked at him.
"I am sure you are aware of Japan's violent political upheavals, the end of the Shogunate, the beginnings of democracy, and the eventual capitalist regime we currently abide by." As she shook her head, he continued. "During the last few years before the Tokugawa Shogunate, the armies had started eradicating free-roaming youkai to reduce threats to their lands. Being of superior intelligence, I quickly determined that if we were to subjugate our youkai appearances and take up trades, the armies would not seek us out. I met with all of the lords and we agreed to behave as ningens until we could again roam free."
Kagome had been eating silently, but couldn't stop from asking. "But you said that everyone would take up trades."
"Yes, each of us took up trades that were commiserate with what we had natural talent for. In the beginning of those days, some youkai were still hunted because they refused to work and show that they were not a threat. Others kept their word and the result is that some of us have quite lucrative businesses now."
"So, what did you do?"
"I became a swordsman."
Her eyes became huge. "You became a sword for hire?"
"No, a swordsmith. I made swords." He took another sip of wine. "Your race is very violent. Individuals are always looking for better weapons. I was good with metal."
"And Totousai?"
Sesshoumaru negligently waved a hand. "Oh, he is around somewhere. His cow died and he went into mourning for a while. I beat him out of it; but he was old when I was born, and he is even older now." At her confused look, he continued. "Totousai taught me his skill. I was and will never be of the level he was at the height of his abilities, but I was not looking to make legendary swords. I was only looking for a way to show my usefulness to your kind." He sighed when she continued to look at him strangely. "Kagome, Totousai is very old. He sits around and reminisces about the ancient days. He is not strong enough to wield the mace any longer, but he is still alive. Is that good enough for you?"
She nodded and smiled. "Hai. I will quit asking questions now."
He reached forward to place a slice of orange between her lips. "I seriously doubt that, but no one says I have to answer."
She glared at him as she chewed. His action would have been sexy if he had not done it merely to shut her up. They finished their meal and Sesshoumaru stood, holding a hand out to help her up. She hesitated before grabbing his hand and then blushed as he misconstrued her reasoning. "Ano, I'm not avoiding you." She leaned really close. "I don't know what I do in order to pay for dinner."
He snorted. "Did you seriously believe this Sesshoumaru would let you buy his dinner?"
"But, you said…"
"That was my temper speaking. You do not buy my dinner, and there is no check."
She was tempted to be angry, but instead she sighed. Turning to look at him, she bowed. "Thank you Sesshoumaru-sama for dinner. It was delightful."
He took her hand again and they walked out of the restaurant. As Michael closed the door of the limo, he turned to look at her. "You are welcome. Thank you for dining with me."
The drive back to the house was silent, each was full of their own thoughts. When the car pulled up to her door, Sesshoumaru exited and then reached a hand back in to help her out. He walked her to the steps and waited while she unlocked her door. Expecting the door to be shut quietly in his face, he was surprised when warm arms wrapped around his waist and a gentle kiss was placed on his cheek. "Arigatou Gozaimasu." (formal thank-you) Before he could react, she was gone and the lock was quietly clicking in place.
Michael was standing at the door as Sesshoumaru reached the car. Just as Michael started to open his mouth to say something about Kagome, Sesshoumaru growled at him. 'Okay, so he doesn't want to talk.' Quietly he ushered his boss back into the car and started the drive home.
Sesshoumaru was so full of his own thoughts that he did not even realize they had started the trip until Michael stopped in front of his home. Strangely concerned by his discontent at the way the evening ended, Sesshoumaru exited the car and walked straight to his room; not stopping long enough to acknowledge Jaken, who stood just inside the door.
Jaken turned to follow, he had messages to deliver; but Michael stopped him with a soft hand on his shoulder. At Jaken's puzzled look, Michael just grinned. "Leave him alone tonight toad, he has a woman on his mind, and it may drive him over the edge before he admits his feelings."
Jaken nodded and they went on their way, ready to support their boss as he discovered the joys and agonies of love.
A/N: Ah, I so hope everyone had a great week. Again, thank you for your patience last week with the update coming out 2 days late. Please, I hope each of you enjoyed this chapter. Until next week… -TK